A Sessions power play at the NRCC

Is Rep. Pete Sessions aiming for a third term atop the National Republican Congressional Committee?

The Texas Republican said he’s having “so much fun” as chairman of the party’s campaign arm that he might vie for a rare third term at the party committee, a move that could be aimed at putting pressure on Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) to find him a spot at a crowded leadership table.

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In an interview off the House floor, when asked about taking over the gavel at the powerful Rules Committee, Sessions said, “I don’t think it’s a given that I want to leave the [NRCC] yet.”

“I’m having so much fun doing this, I may want to run as chairman again,” Sessions said.

He added: “I really want the conference to recognize we’re doing really well. And if we do really well, why not return the guy who’s doing well, right? I don’t know. We’ll decide as soon as we get the election done; we’ll figure it out. I’m having way, way too much fun.”

It’s a significant admission for Sessions, and it may complicate matters for Republicans if they keep control of the House. Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.), Sessions’s deputy at the campaign committee, has been openly telling colleagues he plans to run for NRCC chairman. Walden has signaled to fellow lawmakers and top aides that Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (R-Ga.) would serve as his deputy. Sessions told POLITICO on Wednesday that “I think that Greg Walden and I are enjoying this” — meaning the Texan’s reign leading the committee.

Another explanation for the unexpected comments, offered by several aides, was that Sessions is aware that he is not going to get the Rules chairmanship and is making an early argument for why he should remain at the NRCC. Or he’s simply making discontent with limited leadership options known.

Sessions has been very successful at the NRCC, leading the committee when the Republicans won the majority in 2010. He took over the panel following the disastrous 2008 election cycle, when Democrats — led by President Barack Obama winning the White House — picked up more than 20 seats.

The NRCC had been rocked by an embezzlement scandal, and rank-and-file Republicans were unhappy with the campaign committee’s operation. During the next two years, Sessions helped preside over a historic victory for Republicans as the GOP — fueled by the tea party movement and public anger over the Democratic health reform bill — picked up 63 seats.

And while Democrats have had success on the fundraising front this cycle, most D.C. players think Republicans will keep the House.

Inside the House Republican Conference, it is also known that Sessions wants to serve as chairman of the powerful House Rules Committee, a post that is handpicked by Boehner and offers a spot at the leadership table.